{"id":25629,"date":"2026-03-03T22:26:57","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T20:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/glossary\/business-model-patterns\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:36:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:36:09","slug":"business-model-patterns","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-patterns\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Model Patterns"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"glossary-tldr\" style=\"background:#f0f7ff;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:12px;\">\n<strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong> Business Model Patterns are proven, recurring structures of successful business models. They serve as inspiration and a blueprint for <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business model innovation<\/a> and help companies systematically develop new revenue streams and <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-proposition\/\">value propositions<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<nav class=\"glossary-toc\" style=\"background:#fafafa;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;\">\n<strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#definition\">Definition: What Are Business Model Patterns?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#wichtigste-muster\">Overview of the Most Important Business Model Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#st-gallen\">55+ Patterns According to the St. Gallen Approach<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anwendung\">Applying Business Model Patterns in Practice<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#vorteile-kmu\">Advantages for SMEs and Mid-Sized Companies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#kombination\">Combining Patterns: The Key to Success<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#so-starten\">How to Use Business Model Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">Definition: What Are Business Model Patterns?<\/h2>\n<p>Business Model Patterns are recurring configurations and mechanisms that can be observed in successful business models across various industries. They describe proven approaches for how companies create, deliver, and capture value. <\/p>\n<p>The concept originates from the research of the University of St. Gallen, which identified over 55 fundamental patterns. These patterns form a kind of toolkit for systematic <a href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\" style=\"color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;\">business model innovation<\/a> \u2013 comparable to design patterns in software development. <\/p>\n<p>Important: A business model pattern is not a ready-made solution, but a proven structure that must be adapted and applied to one&#8217;s own context. Its strength lies in the creative recombination of multiple patterns into a unique business model. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"wichtigste-muster\">Overview of the Most Important Business Model Patterns<\/h2>\n<p>Among the more than 55 identified patterns, some have proven particularly effective and widespread:<\/p>\n<h3>Revenue Model Patterns<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\">Subscription Model<\/a>:<\/strong> Recurring revenue through regular payments (e.g., Netflix, SaaS providers)<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/freemium-model\/\">Freemium<\/a>:<\/strong> Free basic version, premium features for a fee (e.g., Spotify, LinkedIn)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Razor-and-Blade:<\/strong> Inexpensive base product, profit from consumables (e.g., Nespresso, printers)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pay-per-Use:<\/strong> Billing based on actual usage instead of a flat rate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Value Creation Patterns<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\">Platform \/ Multi-Sided Platform<\/a>:<\/strong> Mediation between two or more user groups (e.g., Airbnb, Uber)<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/open-innovation\/\">Open Innovation<\/a>:<\/strong> Integration of external ideas and resources into the innovation process<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crowdsourcing:<\/strong> Utilizing the collective intelligence of a community<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/servitization-as-a-service-models\/\">Servitization<\/a>:<\/strong> Supplementing physical products with digital services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Distribution Channel Patterns<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Direct-to-Consumer (D2C):<\/strong> Direct sales without intermediaries<\/li>\n<li><strong>White Label:<\/strong> Selling products under another brand<\/li>\n<li><strong>Franchising:<\/strong> Scaling through licensed partners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"st-gallen\">55+ Patterns According to the St. Gallen Approach<\/h2>\n<p>The research group led by Oliver Gassmann at the University of St. Gallen has systematically cataloged over 55 business model patterns and published them in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-navigator\/\">Business Model Navigator<\/a>. The key insight: Approximately 90% of all business model innovations are based on the recombination of these existing patterns. <\/p>\n<p>The patterns are organized along four dimensions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Who?<\/strong> \u2013 The target customer (<a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/buyer-persona\/\">Buyer Persona<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/target-audience-analysis\/\">Target Group Analysis<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>What?<\/strong> \u2013 The <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-proposition\/\">Value Proposition<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>How?<\/strong> \u2013 The <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-chain\/\">Value Chain<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Why?<\/strong> \u2013 The <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\">Revenue Model<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These four questions form the so-called &#8220;Magic Triangle&#8221; of business model innovation and help to systematically apply each pattern to your own situation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anwendung\">Applying Business Model Patterns in Practice<\/h2>\n<p>Business model patterns only unfold their value in practical application. The following approaches have proven effective: <\/p>\n<p><strong>Analogy Transfer:<\/strong> Transfer a pattern from a foreign industry to your own. Example: Gillette&#8217;s Razor-and-Blade pattern has been applied to coffee machines (Nespresso), printers (HP), and even software. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Pattern-Storming:<\/strong> In an <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/innovation-workshop\/\">innovation workshop<\/a>, various patterns are systematically applied to the current business situation, and the most promising combinations are identified.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prototyping with the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-canvas\/\">Business Model Canvas<\/a>:<\/strong> Visualize the new business model on a canvas and test it as a lean hypothesis with the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-canvas\/\">Lean Canvas<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"vorteile-kmu\">Advantages for SMEs and Mid-Sized Companies<\/h2>\n<p>Especially for <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/sme-digitization\/\">small and medium-sized enterprises<\/a>, business model patterns offer decisive advantages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Risk Reduction:<\/strong> Proven patterns significantly reduce innovation risk, as they are already successful in other contexts<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faster Innovation:<\/strong> Instead of starting from scratch, you build on proven structures<\/li>\n<li><strong>Systematic Approach Instead of Coincidence:<\/strong> Business model patterns make innovation plannable and repeatable<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diversification:<\/strong> New <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\">revenue models<\/a> open up additional income streams<\/li>\n<li><strong>Competitive Advantage:<\/strong> Patterns from other industries bring disruptive potential to traditional markets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"kombination\">Combining Patterns: The Key to Success<\/h2>\n<p>The most successful business models emerge from the creative combination of multiple patterns. Some particularly effective combinations: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Freemium + Subscription:<\/strong> Free entry with upgrade to subscription model (Spotify, Dropbox)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Platform + Long Tail:<\/strong> Aggregate niche products via a platform (Amazon Marketplace, Etsy)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Servitization + Pay-per-Use:<\/strong> Product-as-a-Service with usage-based billing (Rolls-Royce &#8220;Power by the Hour&#8221;)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Direct-to-Consumer + Subscription:<\/strong> Direct sales in a subscription model (Dollar Shave Club, HelloFresh)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The art lies in combining patterns in such a way that they reinforce each other and result in a coherent overall model.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"so-starten\">How to Use Business Model Patterns<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Inventory:<\/strong> Document your current business model in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-canvas\/\">Business Model Canvas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Pattern Screening:<\/strong> Analyze the 55+ patterns and identify 5-10 relevant candidates<\/li>\n<li><strong>Analogy Transfer:<\/strong> Transfer patterns from other industries to your context<\/li>\n<li><strong>Combine and Prototype:<\/strong> Develop 3-5 business model prototypes by combining patterns<\/li>\n<li><strong>Test:<\/strong> Validate the most promising models using <a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-startup\/\">Lean Startup<\/a> methods<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"glossary-cta\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1e3a5f,#2563eb);padding:32px;border-radius:12px;margin:32px 0;color:#fff;text-align:center;\">\n<h3 style=\"color:#fff;margin-top:0;\">Want to use business model patterns strategically?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"color:#f0f0f0;font-size:1.05em;\">We help you identify the right patterns for your company and translate them into a viable business model.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/business-model-innovation-services\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#667eea;padding:14px 32px;border-radius:8px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;margin-top:8px;transition:transform 0.2s;\">Discover Our Services \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"glossary-faq-accordion\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> What is a business model pattern?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">A business model pattern is a recurring, proven configuration that describes how companies create, deliver, and capture value. Examples include subscription models, freemium, or platform business models. They serve as inspiration and a blueprint for one&#8217;s own business model innovation.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> How many business model patterns are there?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">The University of St. Gallen has identified over 55 fundamental business model patterns and described them in the Business Model Navigator. Recent research continuously expands this collection, for example, with digital and platform-based patterns. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> Which business model patterns are most successful?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">Particularly successful are patterns that generate recurring revenue (subscription, freemium) or leverage network effects (platform models). The most successful business models usually combine several patterns \u2013 such as freemium with subscription or platform with long tail. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:0.75rem;overflow:hidden;\">\n<summary itemprop=\"name\" style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;\"><span style=\"color:#666;font-size:0.8rem;\"><\/span> How can SMEs use business model patterns?<\/summary>\n<div itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem;color:#2c3e50;\">\n<p itemprop=\"text\">SMEs can use business model patterns as an innovation tool by transferring proven patterns from other industries to their own context. This reduces innovation risk and accelerates the development of new revenue streams \u2013 for example, by adding services (servitization) or building digital distribution channels. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background:#eaecee;border-radius:8px;padding:0;margin-bottom:0.75rem;\">\n<summary style=\"padding:1rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#2c3e50;list-style:none;\">Can I combine multiple business model patterns in one company?<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding:0 1.2rem 1rem 1.2rem;\">Yes, combining business model patterns is not only possible but often strategically smart. Amazon combines marketplace, subscription (Prime), razor-and-blade (Kindle), and platform patterns simultaneously. For SMEs, starting with one core pattern and gradually adding complementary patterns as you grow is typically the most manageable approach. Just ensure each pattern serves a clear strategic purpose and doesn&#39;t create operational complexity.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Related Terms<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;margin:16px 0;\">\n<a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"\/glossar\/geschaeftsmodell-innovation\/\">Business Model Innovation<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-canvas\/\">Business Model Canvas<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/value-proposition\/\">Value Proposition<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/revenue-model\/\">Revenue Model<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/subscription-model\/\">Subscription model<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/freemium-model\/\">Freemium Model<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/platform-business-model\/\">Platform Business Model<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/business-model-navigator\/\">Business Model Navigator<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/lean-canvas\/\">Lean Canvas<\/a><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:white;border:1px solid #d5d8dc;border-radius:20px;padding:0.4rem 1rem;margin:0.3rem;color:#1a5276;text-decoration:none;font-size:0.95em;\" href=\"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/glossary\/disruptive-innovation\/\">Disruptive Innovation<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways: Business Model Patterns are proven, recurring structures of successful business models. They serve as inspiration and a blueprint for business model innovation and help companies systematically develop new&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24529,"parent":25140,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25629","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Point-of-New-Business-Model-Innovation-Benedikt-Hasibeder-scaled.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25629"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28206,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25629\/revisions\/28206"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25140"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pointofnew.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}